Kensie Darst-Todd

Introduction 

Kensie Darst-Todd is a graduate research and teaching assistant in agricultural communications under Dr. Irlbeck. Prior to being a Red Raider, Kensie studied at the University of Missouri and Missouri State, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications in 2023.  

In addition to her academic pursuits, Kensie served as the Presdient of the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) from 2023 to 2024 and was a Missouri FFA State Vice President from 2019 to 2020.  

Research 

Kensie’s research primarily focuses on outreach, engagement, and engaged scholarship in academia, utilizing quantitative and qualitative measures such as surveys and interviews. She also has a passion for rodeo journalism, analyzing this content on social media and in written publications.   
Her upcoming thesis project will evaluate the effectiveness and impact of outreach practices of faculty in the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. This project will take on a mixed methods approach by collecting quantitative data through a survey, then conducting one-on-one interviews to delve further into what the Davis College faculty are doing regarding outreach and engagement to determine where the college can benefit more in this area.  

Why Agricultural Communications? 

“As someone who is two generations removed from the family farm, I have seen an industry barrier in agriculture knowledge within myself other than going to my grandpa’s farm growing up. It wasn’t until when I became involved with my agricultural program in high school that I became aware of farmers’ and ranchers’ stories. This experience showed me that I want to be that bridge by being a storyteller to the public.”